Are you my elder?

Alan Knox recently posed the question on his blog:

I wonder, what do you see as being requirements for being an elder? By this, I mean, what absolutely must someone be, do, think, believe, etc. in order for you to recognize that person as an elder (pastor, if you prefer)?

Here’s my answer:

I suppose my simplified response would be this; There has to be something in that person that I recognize I could stand to learn. That would include spiritual disciplines such as prayer, giving, graciousness, hospitality, etc. And also intellectually in terms of mastery of various subjects.

This is a great question to consider.

If we consider the believers that surround us to truly be a family, then our ability to recognize our spiritual elders has a direct bearing on our spiritual growth and maturity.